Thought to Ponder: Jesus on Board
“He got into one of the boats…belonging to Simon.” Lk 5:3 NIV
One day Jesus “saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats…belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break” (vv. 2-6 NIV). Are you sitting today where Peter sat? Your outlook is bleak, your nets are empty, you’ve tried everything you know to do and you’re ready to give up? It happens; you get to the place where you simply stop expecting anything good. You’ve experienced too many disappointments and you’re afraid to dream, reach, stretch, or broaden your horizons. Jesus knows how hard you’ve tried, and today He’s inviting you to try again—this time with Him. Even though you’re wrestling with depression and tormenting memories, unemployment, addiction, financial failure, or sickness, the Lord of new beginnings wants to come on board. If you let Him, He will show you what to do. Now, what He says may not initially make sense to you. But if you’re willing to respond like Peter—“Because You say so, I will”—you’re on the threshold of a miracle. Today, invite Jesus on board and watch how your situation changes. (bob gass)